Construction on Castlemaine’s new Woolworths supermarket is scheduled to begin around Easter 2023.
Excitement is building after signage confirming the new development went up on the former gasworks site last week.
Lascorp Investment Group National Development Manager Rob Harris told the Mail after receiving the permit for the new development in December they have been working with Mount Alexander Shire Council to meet conditions and finalise approvals from the relevant authorities, negotiate use of the road reserve and parkland, complete the design drawings needed to build and are close to appointing a builder for the project.
Mr Harris said that once negotiations and permit approvals are complete and the builder is appointed they will fence off the site, demolish the final two homes in Forest Street and then construction will begin.
“We have been working really hard behind the scenes to ensure this project would be ready to go once we finalise our permit,” he said.
Mr Harris said the feedback they have received about the new supermarket has been overwhelmingly positive and they are excited to be able to move forward with the build.
“As I have said previously Castlemaine is the only town of its size in Australia not to have access to two full-line supermarkets,” he said.
“This new supermarket will offer the local community choice and competition and will have positive flow on effects for other local businesses,” he said.
“When in town to do their shop community members and visitors might pop into a local business to buy a gift for a family member, stop for a coffee, drop into the newsagents. It will keep money local,” he said.
He noted that some community members continue to voice concerns about potential soil contamination at the former gasworks site.
“Significant clean up works were previously undertaken at the site in line with EPA requirements,” he said.
Mr Harris said the developer is also no longer required to monitor water quality in Forest Creek.
“The EPA has deemed that the water quality is at a level where testing is no longer required.
“During construction soil on the site will be dealt with according to its classification and if required will be removed and taken to disposal facilities in Melbourne,” he said.
Mr Harris said the new supermarket is the best possible outcome the local community could wish for the site.
“The new development will effectively see all surfaces sealed,” he said.
“This is a first class architecturally designed development which will not only enhance the site but also the entrance to Castlemaine,” he said.
“It (VCAT) was a challenging process but the community had its chance to have a say and provide input and we think the final design is a terrific outcome for Castlemaine.”
Mr Harris said once they break ground it is estimated that the construction of the new supermarket will take around 10 to 12 months to complete.
“We hope it will be open for business by Easter 2024 all going well,” he said.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the supermarket retailer is looking forward to establishing its store in Castlemaine.
“As our customers increasingly look for convenient shopping locations close to where they live and work, we’ve had the opportunity to enter into a lease agreement for a site in Castlemaine,” the spokesperson said.
“Our new Castlemaine store will be designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on quality fresh food.
“We look forward to sharing a further update as the project nears completion, which is anticipated to be next year,” the spokesperson said.